KUALA LUMPUR: The police's call for harsher laws to effectively combat criminal gangs is timely as gang-related violence and crimes must not become prevalent in the country, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said the rise in violent criminal gang activities poses a serious threat to public safety, law and order, and national security.
"These gangs, often involved in drug trafficking, extortion, illegal weapons, and acts of intimidation, operate with impunity, instilling fear in communities and undermining the rule of law.
"We strongly support the introduction of harsher laws and more robust enforcement mechanisms to dismantle these criminal networks and bring their members to justice," he said when contacted on Saturday (April 25).
Lee called for the government to introduce mandatory minimum sentences for gang-related crimes involving violence, including firearms offences, physical assaults, and murder.
Repeat offenders must face enhanced punishments.
"A national registry for individuals convicted of gang-related crimes to aid in monitoring and enforcement.should also be formed.
"At the same time, witness protection should be strengthened to encourage victims and communities to come forward with vital information without fear of retaliation," he lamented.
Lee said laws should also be strengthened to target money laundering, illegal betting, and businesses used to fund gang operations.
"Such a move is to disrupt the financial flow for the gangs," he said.
Laws that allow electronic monitoring of known gang members who pose a credible threat to public safety are also needed, he said.
"However, it must be balanced with sufficient judicial oversight," he added.
He also proposed efforts to expand community-based intervention initiatives to prevent youth recruitment into gangs by offering education, mentorship, and employment opportunities.
